The ONLY way to stop a hernia getting worse is to repair the defect
surgically. There are, however, several ways of doing this and the results vary widely. What follows explains most of them
and describes various aspects related to the different types of hernia.

How do Hernias happen?

The wall of the abdomen, comprising muscle and tendon, performs
several functions, one of which is to provide strong support to the internal organs which are exerting significant outward
pressure. The opening of a gap in the tissue can occur of its own accord at a point of natural weakness, or by over-stretching
a part of the tissue. Overexertion can cause it, but so could a simple cough or sneeze.

The occurrence of the gap in the abdominal wall is not normally,
of itself, a problem. The problems result from the ensuing bulge of intestine through the gap. The effects
felt by the patient can range from being perfectly painless, through discomfort, to being very painful indeed.

Almost every movement we make puts additional pressure on
the internal tissues which, in turn, push out through the opening a little more each time. This also enlarges the opening
itself. If unchecked, this process can continue even to the extent of allowing much of the intestine to hang down through
the hernia.